Charlotte Amalie
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Caribbean :: United States Virgin Islands :: St Thomas :: Charlotte Amalie
| FAQ | |
| Access | Easy |
| Shelter | Excellent |
| Bottom Type | 30ft or more |
| Night Anchorage | yes |
| Maximum Draft | none |
| Moorings | All Private |
|
Entrance Waypoint: 18° 19.3 N - 64° 55.6 W Middle of Bay: 18° 19.0 N - 64° 55.8 W
Charlotte Amalie, capital of St Thomas, is famous for its wonderful tax-free shopping. It's main street seems like a 4 block long shopping mall with great bargains on jewelry, perfume, electronics and liquor. The town is also full of historical sites, like Fort Christian, a XVII century Danish fort; Market Square, a former slave market place and Blackbeard's Castle . When walking around, remember to look right before crossing the streets. Cars here drive on the Left side of the road! When anchoring or maneuvering in Long Bay, watch out for the busy cruise ship traffic (in around 5-6 am, out around 5-6pm) and do not use the private moorings.
[edit] Customs & Immigration
Customs is in the Edward Blyden Marine Terminal (ground floor behind the staircase) on the west end of the Waterfront. (easy to reach through Frenchtown Marina, Marker Z on the Google map above)
[edit] Anchorages & Moorings
All moorings are PRIVATE!
[edit] Marinas
[edit] Passages & Navigation
- The entrance channel, W of Muhlenfels Point and close E of Scorpion Rock, leads close SW of West Indian Dock; depths in the channel are about 27 feet. The entrance channel is marked by a lighted range and buoys. Depths of 10 to 14 feet can be taken to the waterfront at Charlotte Amalie. Dinghies are to be landed downtown, at the waterfront dinghy dock. It is strictly forbidden to dinghy anywhere near the cruise ships. The anchorage just north of the cruise ships is more comfortable (turn right into the Bay). Holding and rolling is bad right in front of Charlotte Amalie.
- East Gregerie Channel, between Hassel Island and Water Island, has depths of 26 to 48 feet for the 350-yard center width. East Gregerie Channel is marked by lighted buoys. Caution is advised for all vessels traversing this area since it is an active seaplane landing area
- Haulover Cut, between Hassel Island and St. Thomas Island, has a least depth of 12 feet through the center of the narrow passage. At the SW entrance, a reef that uncovers extends about 80 yards into the cut from Hassel Island. Rocks, submerged and awash, border the N side of the channel.
- West Gregerie Channel, between Water Island and St. Thomas Island, has depths of 26 to 60 feet for a 250-yard center width to the junction with East Gregerie Channel N of Water Island. The channel is marked by buoys and a light. A lighted radio tower at the base of Careen Hill has been reported to be an excellent mark to steer for when entering West Gregerie Channel.
[edit] Services
[edit] Diesel/Gasoline/Propane/Water
- Crown Bay Marina has a large fuel dock for Diesel, Gasoline and Water.
- Propane (marker (A) on the Googlemap above) can be refilled in Krum Bay, just west of Crown Bay. Take your dinghy to the dinghy dock at the far end of the Bay. The propane station is a short walk on the left.
[edit] Provisioning
- Fruitbowl - for great selection of fresh fruit and vegetable. Near the MacDonald at Havensight.
- Gourmet Gallery- Crown Bay Marina
[edit] Marine Supplies/Hardware
- Home Depot - Take a "Safari" or Taxi to Market Square, past Tutu.
- Island Marine Outfitters- In Crown Bay Marina
[edit] WIFI & Internet Access
- Beans, Bytes and Websites - Royal Dane Mall off the Waterfront, Charlotte Amalie. Price/Hour: $10.00 - 7am to 10pm. Tel:(340)777-7089 - Email: bbw@islands.vi.
Great for internet, lattes and lunch. Also provides Wifi in the harbor.
- Soapy's Station - 14 Estate Thomas - St. Thomas -
Price/Hour: $6.00 - 9am to 6pm. Tel: (787)289-0344 - Email: skytalk@isla.net
- CyberZone - Port of Sale Mall, Havensight
Price/Hour: $7.00 - 9am to 6pm.
[edit] Repair Services
- Manfred's Sailmaker - (marker (G) on the Googlemap above) on Hassel Island. The Best Sailmaker in the Caribbean! Leave your dinghy at the dinghy dock and walk down the jungle path to the loft situated in historical ruins.
- Engine head shop - (marker (B) on the Googlemap above) in Krum Bay, just west of Crown Bay. Take your dinghy to the dinghy dock at the far end of the Bay. The head shop is a short walk on the left, past the propane refill station.
- Sail loft - (marker (C) on the Googlemap above) in Krum Bay, just west of Crown Bay. Take your dinghy to the dinghy dock at the far end of the Bay. The sail loft is in a large building on the right side of the road. Ring at the gate. The entrance to the sail loft is upstairs behind the building.
- Yamaha Dealer and Repair - (marker (E) on the Googlemap above) On the west end of Crown Bay.
- Haulover Marine Yachting Center - (marker (F) on the Googlemap above) On the west end of Crown Bay.
- Island Rigging & Hydraulics - (marker (D) on the Googlemap above) On the west end of Crown Bay.
[edit] Cleaning Services
[edit] Transportation
Taxis Taxis are everywhere. Agree on a price before going.
Buses
- "Safaris" (colorful open seated transport) go to Red Hook from Charlotte Amalie and back for $1. A good cheap way to see the island. Safaris route goes by the movie theater, the hospital, K-Mart, Fruitbowl. Ask the driver where to stop.
Ferries
- Speedy's - To Tortola and Virgin Gorda (Tue-Thu-Sat) - Tel (284)495-5240 - Schedule
- Inter-Island Boat Services - To St John and Virgin Gorda (Tue-Thu-Sun) - Tel (284)495-4166 - Schedule
- Smith's Ferry Services - To Tortola (Mon-Sat-Sun) - Tel (284)495-4495 - Schedule
- Native Son - To Tortola (Mon-Fri-Sat-Sun) - Tel (284)495-4617
Seaplane
- Daily flights to St Croix and Old San Juan, Puerto Rico with SEABORNE airline.
[edit] Dental
[edit] Medical
[edit] Radio & Communications
[edit] Safety & Security
Emergency Contacts
Health
[edit] Associations & Clubs
[edit] Local Culture & Fun
[edit] Movie Theaters
- Caribbean Theaters - Market Square - On the road from Charlotte Amalie to Red hook, near Home Depot, past Tutu. Catch a "Safari" and have the driver tell you where to jump off. Climb the short hill to the movie theaters from the bus stop. You will need a taxi to get back if after 1900 when Safaris are sparse. Click here for Movie schedule
[edit] Travel Offices
[edit] Things To Do
- Atlantis Submarine - Departs from Crown Bay Marina - Tel : (340)776-5650
- Ride the Cable car (near Havensight) to Paradise Point to enjoy fantastic views and cocktails (caution is advised with the appetizers..) Wednesday night is local night, the ride is free after 5pm.
[edit] Volunteering
[edit] Bars, Restaurants & Clubs
[edit] Shopping
All the shopping is concentrated in the Downtown Main Street Area or Havensight by the cruise ship area.
[edit] Book Swaps
- Frenchtown Deli
[edit] (B)logs
[edit] Picture Gallery
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